Camry DPL 2011: High-tech and dynamic design

The new Camry has been created under a unique design theme that involves the seamless interplay of rational, high-tech and dynamic design elements.

The rational is represented by cabin comfort, user-friendliness, ergonomic excellence and packaging which, despite significant increases in key cabin dimensions, leaves the new Camry just 10 mm longer and 5 mm wider than its predecessor.

High technology is reflected both in every aspect of the new Camry's sophisticated engineering and advanced standard equipment, and in comprehensive aerodynamic detailing which contributes to high-speed stability, improved fuel efficiency and class-leading cabin quietness.

And dynamism is expressed not only through the engaging driving experience, but also through a powerful, single-mass exterior design enlivened by subtle detailed touches which enhance the sheer presence of the new Toyota.

Exterior Design

In combination with new, unconventional modelling processes involving new finishing methods and a focus on surface quality, the unique design approach has created a bold, simple-yet-elegant form which brings a new-found sense of refinement, luxury and prestige to the Camry model range.

To the front, the new Camry's broad, purposeful stance is reinforced by a new, bolder, five-bar grille design positioned between thin, elongated headlamps. The grille features thicker top and side sections to increase the overall sense of width, and accents on the horizontal bars create a sense of added luxury brought to life by attention to detail.

Its lines defined by the edges of the front grille, the central bonnet area has been raised above the front wings. This not only adds depth to the frontal aspect, increasing the road presence of the new Camry, but also creates a sense of dynamism which is further reinforced by the wave-like sculpting of the upper bumper surface.

The full-width bumper features a wide lower air intake grille held between integral foglamps. The bumper incorporates a deep, aerodynamic front spoiler and sharply sculpted, vertical aero corners which smooth the flow of air over the front wheel arches and down the sides of the vehicle, minimising drag.

In profile, the smooth roof profile and raked shoulder line act together to create a forward-leaning wedge shape which creates a strong sense of movement, expressing the new Camry's dynamic potential. This is reinforced by the undulating door cross-section, which flares into a chrome-accented rocker panel to underscore the vehicle's clean, strongly defined appearance.

The cabin shape immediately evokes a sense of space and comfort. The rear of the cabin has been raised, and the roofline angles down further to the rear of the car to ensure adequate headroom for rear seat occupants. The blacked out B pillar highlights the extensive cabin glazing which reflects a significant increase in passenger accommodation.

To the rear of the new Camry, a chrome garnish strip blends into new, wider rear lamp clusters, and the rear reflectors have been relocated towards the extremities of the bumper. In combination with the protruding bumper corner design, these details emphasise the new Toyota's width and stable, muscular stance.

Adding aerodynamic efficiency to the sharply defined trailing edge of the bold, clean design, an integral boot-lip spoiler combines with crisp, vertical aero corners to smooth the flow of air away from the rear of the vehicle.

A new, larger 17" wheel design has been added to the Camry range, and the existing 16" wheels have been redesigned to appear larger in diameter. The new Camry will be available in a choice of 8 exterior colours, of which 5 are new — Attitude Black, True Blue, White Pearl, Dark Steel and Olive- and two -Attitude Black and True Blue- have been exclusively developed for the new Toyota sedan.

Interior Design

The sophistication and prestige of the new design approach is also reflected in the cabin design of the new Camry. With a focus on high technology and craftsmanship, particular attention has been paid to the sensory quality and ergonomic functionality of the significantly enlarged interior.

Packaging —an increase in both real and perceived interior spaciousness

Though the wheelbase length remains the same and the new Camry is just 5 mm wider than its predecessor, the accelerator pedal and front seat hip point have both been moved forward by 7 mm and the rear seat hip point moved back by 8 mm, increasing the couple distance between front and rear seat hip points by 15 mm.

The shape of the front seatbacks has been modified and made 31 mm thinner, increasing rear seat knee room by 46 mm. The profiles of both the centre console rear fascia and the front edge of the rear seat cushion have also been modified, increasing rear middle seat legroom by 50 mm.

The new front seats themselves have been redesigned to be more comfortable and reduce long-distance fatigue. Seatback pressure distribution has been optimised, seatback height increased by 30 mm and cushion length increased by 20 mm, providing a larger body contact area to avoid localised pressure points which can restrict blood circulation.

In addition, the glove box has been remodelled to increase front passenger legroom, and the rear seat torso angle has also been increased by one degree, providing a more comfortable posture.

The new-found sense of openness throughout the cabin has been further heightened by an increase in both real and apparent spaciousness. A painstaking evaluation of the relationship between the bodyshell and all interior trim components has resulted in both a reduction in the size of, and a minimisation of the space behind, numerous key components, without detriment to either cabin quietness or collision safety requirements.

The A pillar trim has been made thinner and the sun visors moved closer to the driver. This increases the size of the windscreen, offering improved visibility and a greater sense of openness. The B pillar trim has also been thinned, leaving a wider gap to the front seat sides to give rear passengers a feeling of greater spaciousness.

The shape of the headlining over both front and rear seats has been revised. Front occupant head clearance has increased both in front and to the side of the head in the area of the over-door assist grips. And the marked increase in curvature of the rear headlining has increased rear occupant headroom by 35 mm.

Both front and rear door trims have been made significantly slimmer, maximising available width and improving door pocket storage capacity. The overhead console now features a larger storage volume to accommodate a wider range of sunglasses designs. And a storage space has been added to the armrest in vehicles fitted with a rear seat control panel.

Driving Position —optimum ergonomics, switchgear operability and visibility

A new, prestigious, T-shaped horizontal instrument panel design reinforces the width of the new cabin whilst placing all instrumentation and switchgear within easy reach of the driver. A large instrument binnacle hood reduces reflection to the driver's Optitron instrument dials, and the centre console projects into the cabin to bring the audio and air-conditioning controls within easy reach of both front seat occupants.

The driving position has been designed to combine optimum ergonomics with improved switchgear operability and visibility. A shallow steering column angle brings the wheel close to the driver for a more comfortable grip, while the column axis brings the wheel inboard, drawing the driver's field of vision towards the centre of the vehicle.

In addition, the large tilt range on the rake and reach adjustable steering wheel combines with a generous seat height adjustment range to guarantee a comfortable driving position for the widest possible cross-section of customers.

All driver-oriented switchgear has been designed for optimum visibility and ease of use. The door mirror switches are located with the window switches on the driver's door panel for ease of access. Steering column-mounted light and wiper switches have been positioned for clear visibility through the wheel, and the wheel-mounted audio switches have been designed in a cruciform shape to offer simple, hands-on control of a wide range of system functions.

Trim and textures —visual and tactile high quality throughout

The visual and tactile quality of the materials and finishes throughout the cabin has been tailored to convey the sense of craftsmanship and luxury appropriate to a prestige sedan.

Real stitching in brown has been applied to the black, soft-touch upper dashboard finish to create a softly textured impression. The curved line of the wood grain dashboard accent merges into the silver side-bar of the centre console, adding a high-quality, three-dimensional appearance to the changing surface textures. And chrome accenting has been extensively applied to details such as the audio and air-conditioning knobs, air vents and steering wheel to enhance the sense of on-board luxury.

The all-new Camry interior is available in a choice of two colour schemes —Black and Shell, both of which express the universally-recognised prestige expected of a luxury sedan. The newly developed bright Shell colour scheme reinforces the impression of spaciousness given by the new cabin design, particularly when used as a counterpoint to the new Attitude Black exterior colour.

Both interior colour schemes are available with a choice of complimentary, Shell or Black, perforated leather or textured fabric upholstery finishes.